Methods and apparatus for a multi-standard wireless communication and cellular telephone system

ABSTRACT

A wireless communication system including flexible wireless handsets with modular electronic components selected for operation within multiple systems. The units may be configured for removable connection to a variety of cartridges to provide a versatile communication device. A cartridge may be selected for the replacement of one or more existing cartridges within the handset to provide varying degrees of flexibility including the selection of a different featureset for the handset and compatible operation within different wireless systems. Methods are further provided for upgrading and reconfiguring cellular telephones and wireless communication devices for operation within different systems. A flexible wireless telephone with an original removable cartridge may include later-substituted cartridges to improve or change the featureset of the telephone, and may also enable a user to replace the internal electronics of a handset with different internal electronics for use within a different wireless system. A consumer may be thus provided with extended use the same flexible wireless telephone handset yet still migrate to a new wireless system by installing cartridges with desired featuresets within the selected wireless telephone system(s).

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/276,480, entitled Methods and Apparatus for a FlexibleWireless Communication and Cellular Telephone System, filed on Mar. 25,1999 by inventor Alfred C. Tom, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention is generally directed to wirelesscommunication devices and related apparatus. More particularly, thisinvention relates to a flexible system of interchangeable wirelesstelecommunication componentry that is adaptable for use with differentwireless communication systems and featuresets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The current providers of wireless communication and cellulartelephone products are constantly developing new equipment and relatedservices. As these wireless communication advancements become more andmore demanding on the functional capabilities of the mobilecommunication equipment, the relative cost of these portable devicescontinue to rise while consumers attempt to keep up with the latestavailable technology.

[0004] The number of cellular telephone network systems available todayplaces a heavy financial burden on consumers who attempt to maintainstate of the art services and equipment. In general, mobile telephonesthroughout different countries of the world operate on differentwireless network systems or standards which may be broadly divided intoeither analog or digital systems. Examples of well established analogsystems include AMPS, which is used primarily in the United States andLatin America, Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Asian-Pacificcountries. Other types of analog type networks include ETACS and NMTwhich are used throughout Europe, Russia, and Asian-Pacific countries.Meanwhile, the recent advent of digital technology in wirelesscommunications has naturally spawned its own set of digital wirelesssystems across the globe. Global Standard for Mobile communications(GSM), for example, is heavily used in Asian-Pacific countries, and isconsidered by many to be the digital standard of Europe. Other commondigital systems include DCS 1800 which is used in many differentcountries. PCS-1900 and D-AMPS are other digital systems used to someextent in the United States, Canada, and a variety of Asian-Pacificcountries. Additional digital systems include North American DigitalCellular (NADC), Personal Handy System, and Digital European CordlessTelephone (DECT). While digital network systems are relatively new incomparison to their analog counterpart, it is widely acknowledged thatdigital systems will continue to provide more cellular telephonefeatures and improved transmission security. Today, new wirelesscommunications systems and protocols are continually emerging asadditional providers enter the market and attempt to establish stillmore purported standards.

[0005] There are several new wireless technologies, in particular, thatare slowly emerging but not widely available or accepted yet in manycountries. Personal Communication Systems (PCS) are currently in highdemand, as well as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, and theOmnipoint system which is now used in the eastern region of the UnitedStates. As these systems become more accepted and accessible, consumerswill migrate from older systems using wireless standards such as AMPS orNADC to these newly developed technologies. Unfortunately, migrating toa new system with present wireless telephone technologies often requiresthe purchase of a new telephone unit. Because wireless telephones todayare designed for use with a specific system, they often can not be usedwith other systems. For example, a telephone designed for a NADC networksystem cannot be used with a GSM network system. Each wireless networksystem has its own designated frequencies and protocols, and thesupporting electronics contained within these wireless telephones aregenerally designed to work only within these specified parameters.

[0006] Within each particular network system, a wireless standard isestablished which may be generally defined as a specification for themanufacturing and operation of wireless components within the systemsuch as the base stations, handsets, and switches. A wireless standardmay further specify specific rules and protocols such as how a wirelesstelephone communicates with a base station, how a base station relayssignals to another base station, and what types of signals are to beused.

[0007] Most countries designate different frequencies for theirsubscribers within a particular type of cellular telephone networksystem. The particular wireless standard within each system typicallyallows different implementations of the standard including variationswithin a carrier frequency range. Multiple implementations of thestandard often require different handsets since each of theseimplementations practically represent another wireless system orsubsystem. The frequencies used by different wireless systems may varybetween approximately 900 MHz to 2.1 GHz or more. For cellulartelephones operating in the 900 MHz range, wireless chipsets may beordinarily formed of silicon. But with respect to devices that operatewithin the 2.1 GHz range, different materials such as GaAs is oftenrequired. Even different chip process technologies are therefore used intelephones built for different systems. In fact, the same wirelessnetwork system may include multiple implementations or subsystems of awireless standard which require different cellular telephone handsets.For example, even if the GSM standard is adopted in many continents,each region of the world essentially implements a different wirelesssystem because the frequency range within each system is different. Onthe other hand, there are a few localized systems such as the AMPSsystem which is consistently implemented across the United States sothat the wireless system and the wireless standard are mutuallycoextensive. In those instances where there is no deviation from thespecification of a wireless standard, or if there is only oneimplementation in effect, the wireless system effectively becomes thesame as the wireless standard.

[0008] The widespread lack of uniformity among wireless systems todaycontinues as new cellular telephones are introduced. However, most ofthese wireless units may be conceptually divided into two basicsections. One section may contain most of the basic electronics thatsupport a particular wireless communication system, and may be referredto as internal electronics. The other section may contain remainingwireless telephone components such as a display, speaker, microphone,keypad, battery, and may be referred to as external componentry. Theinternal electronics generally contain the specific components foroperation with a particular wireless system. Today, there exists atleast two industry cost trends that relate to the internal and externalcomponentry of a wireless telephone. The first trend involves the changein relative costs of the two sections. The cost of the internalelectronics has been dropping significantly. Simpler wireless chipsetsare reducing design costs, and high volume production provides moreeconomical computer chips. The cost of the external components, however,are not dropping as fast for various reasons such as the maturity ofexternal component technologies and the demand for increased complexityin external components. As this trend progresses, the externalcomponentry may constitute a larger percentage of the wireless telephonecost. The second trend which has been observed is directed to theincrease in the total cost of wireless telephones. Advanced wirelesstelephones in the future will most likely incorporate more expensivecomponents such as color active matrix displays, advancedmicroprocessors, high capacity memory devices, Internet access andelectronic e-mail systems, and improved casing and component materials.The majority of this increased cost may be attributed to the externalcomponentry of the wireless telephone. This cost trend will tend tofurther increase the comparative cost of the external componentry inrelation to the cost of the internal electronics. Unlike the decreasingcost of the internal electronics, the cost of the external componentryin advanced wireless telephones is most likely to increase. The wirelesscommunication and cellular telephone industry is not prepared toaccommodate the increasing cost of new wireless telephones and the everincreasing number of wireless network systems.

[0009] The wireless communication and cellular telephone industry isalso experiencing simultaneous growth in the range of available networkservices and features. A wireless telephone feature may be essentiallyconsidered a desired capability of the handset unit that is not criticalto its basic operation such as caller ID, last number recall, fast dial,text messaging, voice message recording, signal strength indicator, andtelephone number and information storage. The total collection offeatures for a particular wireless telephone and network system may bereferred to as a featureset. In order to prolong the useful life of awireless telephone, consumers should be able to change the featureset ofa wireless telephone as new features become available. Otherwise, thetelephone may become obsolete in a relatively short period of time forits lack of up-to-date features and capabilities. The lack of expandablefeaturesets remains an issue that has been remotely addressed by theindustry at best. Some wireless digital telephones today may includereserved locations within a menu user-interface for currentlyunavailable services. When new features are subsequently implemented inthe system, these anticipated functions may be already supported by thetelephone handset when activated. The manufacturer must of course facethe formidable task of constantly anticipating each possible feature inthe future, and reserving sufficient space for these features in theuser-interface menu. These prospective features also cause earlyconfusion among consumers when features in their menu are visible butnon-functional.

[0010] In most respects, most cellular telephones available today may becharacterized as inflexible due to their inability to support multiplewireless systems or simple telephone featureset upgrades. Today,wireless telephones have a limited or a relatively unexpandedfeatureset. A wireless telephone is typically designed with a particularfixed or limited range of features. In order to obtain more featuresbeyond the capabilities of the handset, another wireless telephone mustusually be purchased. For example, a subscriber may purchase a currentmodel wireless telephone that is able to store telephone numbers as wellas automatically initiate outgoing calls. A new wireless telephone maybe introduced the following year with a previously unavailable featurethat may include an alphanumeric keypad to allow a user to store andaccess names, addresses, and telephone numbers, in the telephone. Withcurrent wireless telephones, the user will most likely need to purchasea completely new telephone in order to obtain this feature or any otherfeatures in the future. While purchasing another wireless telephone fora new featureset or a different network system may be an acceptablepractice now because basic wireless telephones are relativelyinexpensive, there will be a much a larger cost involved in the futureas the overall cost of more advanced wireless telephones continue torise. For instance, when a subscriber purchases a $2000 wirelesstelephone for a NADC system, it will cost substantially the same amountto replace the wireless telephone when switching to another system suchas the CDMA system. Consumers are becoming increasingly mobile,particularly in the business setting, and the likelihood or demand forswitching wireless telephone systems is extremely high. This restrictioneffectively places a price limit on how much a wireless telephonemanufacturer may charge for a telephone since many consumers may notpurchase an expensive wireless telephone if it will have to replacedwhen changing or upgrading to a different system or featureset in thenear future. Although a relatively expensive wireless telephone may bevery useful and offer the most current features available, its sales maybe very limited because of consumer fear of obsolescence. For thoseindividuals who travel within the global community, and elect topurchase multiple wireless telephones, significant inconveniences mayfurther arise. Because users generally store important telephone numbersand information in a particular telephone, using multiple telephones foreach system would be extremely inconvenient. For example, the use ofdifferent equipment typically involves a new user-interface that must belearned by the subscriber for each telephone. All information would alsohave to be re-entered into multiple telephones or synchronized forconsistent and current information in each unit.

[0011] As explained above, new equipment is often purchased for serviceupgrades or migration to another wireless system. The idea of buying newtelephones provides a relatively simple and feasible solution for manycurrent customers who desire featureset upgrades or service within adifferent system. Wireless telephones are relatively inexpensive today,and are often offered at a minimal cost when subscribing for a newservice. But the repeated purchase of new equipment will not bepractical for customers who desire state of the art equipment as thecost for high performance cellular telephone equipment continues torise. It may be possible to imbed necessary components to support morethan one wireless system in a telephone handset. For example, dual-modetelephones have been designed for cellular services that use twostandards such as NADC and AMPS because the coverage of the digitalsystems may still be inadequate. Users may need to occasionally accessan alternate network system such as AMPS in certain areas. However,these telephones cannot support systems other than the limited number ofsystems for which they were originally designed. For example, aNADC/AMPS dual-mode telephone cannot be used in Europe because it isincompatible with GSM systems. A user would be required to use anothertelephone capable of working with yet another network system. A wirelesstelephone designed for every presently known wireless system in usetoday would be prohibitively large and extremely expensive. In anyevent, the unit would still be incompatible with available systems thatwill be undoubtedly developed in the future.

[0012] Another example of previous systems with relatively expensiveexternal componentry includes a laptop computer and cellular telephonethat operate in turn with the same Type III PC Card. The card wasconfigured in a limited manner for the selected operation of either thecellular telephone handset or computer. This card also included an extralevel of complexity requiring attachments such as an earpiece andcorresponding handset jack, protruding components that were unsightlyand flimsy, and relatively complicated user interfaces. The Type III PCcard was also limited to the AMPS wireless system or protocol, andprovided a rigid or fixed feature-set built into the telephone thatcould not be replaced or upgraded. Moreover, the PC card could onlyoperate with a particular cellular telephone handset and a compatiblelaptop computer in an attempt to reduce the cost or need for commonwireless components included in each product. In particular, the PC cardcould be either used in the laptop to support AMPS data communications,or in the telephone for AMPS voice communications. This Type III PC cardwas not designed for other wireless systems, and only includedcomponents that were specific to the AMPS system. As with other devicesdescribed above, this expensive computer and handset system was onlybriefly introduced, and provided a relatively inflexible wirelessproduct for use with only a certain wireless standard and a restrictedrange of features. The continuous lack of flexibility in currentwireless communication systems and services provide consumers with noreasonable or cost-effective alternatives in maintaining equipment forextended periods of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention provides methods and apparatus directed toa flexible wireless communication system. Flexible wireless handsetswith modular electronic components may be selected for operation withinmany different analog or digital systems. The units may be configuredfor removable connection to a variety of modular cartridges to provide aversatile communication device. A cartridge may be selected for thereplacement of one or more existing cartridges within the handset toprovide varying degrees of flexibility including the selection of adifferent featureset for the handset and compatible operation withindifferent wireless systems. Another aspect of the invention providesmethods for upgrading and reconfiguring cellular telephones and wirelesscommunication devices for different systems. A flexible wirelesstelephone may be initially selected with an original removable cartridgethat may be later substituted with additional cartridges to improve orchange the featureset of the telephone. A flexible wireless telephone asprovided herein may also enable a user to replace a removable cartridgecontaining the internal electronics of a wireless system with anothercartridge with different internal electronics for use with a differentwireless system. A consumer may thus continue to use the same flexiblewireless telephone handset yet still migrate to a new wireless system byinstalling a cartridge with a desired featureset within a selectedwireless telephone system.

[0014] The inflexibility of current cellular telephone products has notbeen directly recognized or openly addressed by the industry. A reasonwhy the problem of inflexibility with existing devices has gone largelyunnoticed may be attributed to the current wireless telephone coststructure which does not make the upgrading of wireless telephoneequipment or services cost-effective. Since the internal electronicscomponent represents a relatively large portion of the cost of commonwireless telephones today, replacement of these portions would be, ineffect, similar to buying a new unit. But there is an emerging marketfor more expensive high-end cellular telephones or handsets that providemore functions and greater featuresets through the continuingdevelopments in wireless communications. The external componentry forthese portable devices may rapidly become more expensive than theirrespective internal electronics, and in these markets, the problem ofinflexible wireless communication systems will become even moreprevalent. The continued existence of inflexible wireless telephones andsystems may be further attributed to the industry practices whichcontinually encourage consumers to purchase new equipment. This willoften fuel demand for new wireless telephones much like the trend forpurchasing the latest or improved versions of products in the computerhardware and software industry. Additionally, subscribers themselves maysimply not recognize the current need for telephone handsets that areupgradeable and versatile. The present wireless market continues toemphasize, while consumers persist in demanding, small and light-weightdevices. As a result, some of the primary goals for wireless telephonemanufacturers have been to create the smallest or the lightest unitspossible which may be sold at a premium. Current subscribers may not beimmediately concerned with the inability of devices to operate withdifferent systems. Many consumers do not even recognize theinflexibility of wireless telephones and systems, and cannot thereforearticulate a need for a more feasible alternative. Because the problemof inflexible wireless telephones has largely gone unnoticed, currentlyavailable solutions are entirely inadequate.

[0015] The present invention is directed to the need for flexiblewireless telephones and systems. The components of a cellular telephoneformed in accordance with the invention may be replaced to support theoperation of a different wireless system and/or to change the featuresetof the unit. The invention may be also directed to the need for awireless telephone that includes modular functionality to operate withany wireless system, and a wireless communication and cellular telephonesystem that has expandable or upgradeable featuresets to accommodatefuture user demands. For example, a modular cellular telephone cartridgekit may be selected for updating a configurable cellular telephonehandset comprising a replacement cellular cartridge with electronicwireless communications components that provides a set of selectedmobile telephone features for a cellular telephone system. The cartridgemay include an interface configured for connection to a cellulartelephone handset having an existing cellular cartridge that alreadysupports the operation of a cellular telephone system. The kit may alsoinclude a set of instructions for updating the cellular telephonehandset by replacing the existing cellular cartridge with thereplacement cellular cartridge. The cartridge components may include aRF/IF subsystem, a baseband subsystem, a voice processing subsystem, anda power management subsystem. The components may be integrated onto atleast one computer chip, and may support a variety of systems includingan AMPS wireless system, a GSM system, a NADC system, or any combinationthereof. The replacement cellular telephone cartridge may be a PC cardthat substantially conforms with established PCMCIA standards.

[0016] Another variation of the invention includes a wirelesscommunications integrated circuit kit for upgrading a configurablewireless communications device comprising one or more modular integratedcircuits having a plurality of wireless electronic components thatprovides an upgraded set of predetermined features within at least onewireless communication system. The computer chip may include aninterface configured for connection with a wireless communicationsdevice that supports the operation of the set of predetermined features.Instructions to upgrade the configurable wireless communications devicemay be included.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a universal wirelesscellular telephone handset is provided comprising at least one wirelesscommunication component that supports a set of selected mobile telephonefeatures for a cellular telephone network system. An interface may beformed in the unit for connection to a plurality of modular cellulartelephone cartridges each having a plurality of electronic wirelesscommunication components that provide a unique set of selected mobiletelephone features. The handset may include a microcontroller, amicroprocessor and a memory storage with a computer operating system.The interface of the wireless cellular telephone handset maysubstantially comply with a PC Card standard established by the PCMCIA,and may include a plurality of connections configured as sockets, orports for smartcards, infrared communications, data exchange with otherwireless or non-wireless devices. The handset may be accompanied with aset of instructions for changing the set of selected mobile telephonefeatures or the cellular telephone network system by removablyconnecting different modular cellular telephone cartridges to thehandset.

[0018] Another embodiment of the invention provides a universal wirelessvoice communication device comprising a wireless communication handsethaving a first set of at least one wireless communication component thatsupports at least one selected wireless communication system. Thehandset may include a handset interface in communication with the firstset of at least one wireless communication component configured forcommunication with a plurality of modular cartridges. A modularcartridge with a second set of components may provide a set of wirelesscommunications features to the handset through a cartridge interface incommunication with the second set of components. The cartridge may beremovably connected to the handset interface to provide a sharedcoupling or access between the first and the second set of at least onewireless communication component. The modular cartridge may have atleast one microcontroller for controlling the wireless communicationsdevice, an integrated circuit, or any combination of wirelesscommunications subsystems. The telephone may further include a smartbattery for providing a controlled power source to the communicationdevice. The modular cartridge and the wireless communication handset maybe configured to substantially conform with a selected PCMCIA standard.The wireless communication handset may be also formed with numerousslots or openings, and may include a moveable cover to retain andconceal the cartridge within the handset.

[0019] In yet another embodiment provided in accordance with theinvention, a universal wireless system may be implemented for aplurality of wireless systems. A handset for this embodiment may includecommunication components that supports a first and a second cellularsystem. An interface formed in the handset may be in communication witha first modular cartridge that provides features for the first cellularsystem through a first cartridge configured for removable connection tothe handset. A second modular cartridge may provide a set of featuresfor the second cellular system through a second cartridge interface thatmay be configured for removable connection to the handset interface. Thefirst cellular system and the second cellular system may be the same ordifferent wireless cellular systems. The first and second set ofwireless communications features may be also the same or different. Auniversal cellular telephone may be thus reconfigured in accordance withthe invention. The wireless communication handset may be formed with ahandset interface in communication with a first set of wirelesscommunication components in the handset. A first modular cartridge maybe selected having a second set of components that provides selectedfeatures for a cellular system. The cartridge may include an interfacein communication with the second set of components that is configuredfor removable connection to the handset interface. A set of instructionsmay be provided for reconfiguring the wireless communication handsetcomprising the following steps of selecting a second modular cartridgehaving a third set of at least one wireless communication component thatprovides a second set of wireless communications features for a secondcellular system and a second cartridge interface in communication withthe third set of at least one wireless communication componentconfigured for removable connection to the handset interface,disconnecting the first modular cartridge interface from the handsetinterface, and connecting the second cartridge interface to the handsetinterface. The first and the second set of wireless communicationsfeatures may be different or the same, and the first and the secondcellular system may also be different or the same.

[0020] Additionally, the principles of the invention may be applied to avariety of wireless communications devices for exchanging voice, data,video or any other type of transmissible information.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention includes various methodsof forming and operating a flexible wireless communications system. Forexample, the invention provides a method for reconfiguring a flexiblewireless communication device comprising the steps of selecting awireless handset having wireless communication componentry incommunication with at least one handset interface and a first removablewireless communication cartridge with a first set of preselectedfeatures for a first wireless communication system that is removablyconnected to the handset through the at least one handset interface,disconnecting the first removable wireless communication cartridge fromthe at least one handset interface, selecting a second wirelesscommunication cartridge with a second set of preselected features for asecond wireless communication system that is configured for connectionwith the at least one handset interface, and connecting the secondwireless communication cartridge to the at least one handset interfaceto reconfigure the flexible wireless communication device for operationwith the second wireless communication cartridge. A plurality ofwireless communication cartridges may be connected to additional handsetinterfaces formed within the wireless handset. The first wirelesscommunication system may be the same or different from the secondwireless communication system, and similarly, the first and the secondremovable wireless communication cartridges may provide either the sameor a different set of preselected features. The removable wirelesscommunication cartridge may even support more than one wireless cellularcommunication system.

[0022] A method of upgrading cellular telephones is further providedherein comprising the following steps of selecting a cellular telephonehandset connected to a first removable cellular telephone cartridge thatincludes electronic wireless components that provide a preexisting setof features for a particular wireless system, disconnecting the firstremovable cellular cartridge from the cellular telephone handset, andreplacing the first removable cellular telephone cartridge with a secondremovable cellular telephone cartridge that includes electronic wirelesscomponents that provide an upgraded set of features for the wirelesssystem.

[0023] By providing a flexible wireless communication device inaccordance with the invention, handset units may be useful for a longertime without becoming rapidly obsolete. Because the same telephone maybe used for multiple systems, an operator may be only required to learnor understand the operation of a single unit, and maintain user data ina central location. A flexible wireless telephone would also allowindividuals such as world travelers to learn and operate theuser-interface of only one telephone. The same telephone may be usedwith different wireless systems by replacing all or part of its internalelectronics with components designed for other systems. The telephonemay even gain new features by replacing the existing electronics withadditional component electronics that enable these new features. Theflexible telephones described herein provide relatively uncomplicatedsolutions to upgrading the unit by simply replacing a cartridge that maybe as easy as replacing a battery within a portable electronic device.This cartridge-style replacement system may be even more robust thancircuit-board replacement. Moreover, the modularity may provide easierrepair of communication handsets such as cellular telephones. When theunit is malfunctioning, the cartridge may simply be replaced to providea more economical solution. Telephone handsets provided in accordancewith the principles of the present invention may further includereplaceable antennas. An original telephone handset may be furthermodified to offer a wide range of optimal frequencies whereasreplacement of the circuit-board assemblies in some present-daytelephones do not allow replacement of an antenna component. A unit mayalso provide relatively easy access to the cartridge component to allowfor replacement. Meanwhile, current handsets are not designed foruser-level upgrades or reconfiguring, and are not intended to provideaccess to internal components. Most cellular telephones today may not beopened, and are particularly difficult to re-assemble even when theirinterior may be accessed. The circuit board, or other internalelectronics, of present cell phones may not be readily changed. Thedisassembly of devices of today presents the risk of emitting harmfullevels of radiation upon re-assembly, or the unauthorized or illegaltransmission of communication signals. However, handset cartridgesprovided herein may be properly manufactured in advance, and maycontinue to be FCC compliant. Moreover, a cartridge may be easilyreplaced in a predetermined or uniform manner or location as opposed tocurrent circuit-boards which may be positioned in virtually any mannerselected by manufacturers. The handset and cartridge components may bemanufactured by different vendors in accordance with a standardizedinterface configuration between the component assemblies such as thoseestablished by the PCMCIA. This modular architecture enables relativelysimple replacement of the internal electronics. Because most units todayinclude internal hardwired components that are relatively integrated inorder to meet selected size and weight parameters, these devices fail toprovide the modularity, flexibility, and upgradeability offered by theinvention. Meanwhile, the modularity of the wireless communicationhandset and cartridge(s) systems provided herein offer a wide range offlexibility. The handset and cartridge assemblies do not requireparticular subsystems or components to be installed in a fixed section.Neither the cartridge nor the handset is required to include aparticular or fixed arrangement of modem electronics or any otherelectronic componentry. The flexible wireless systems described hereintherefore provide an effective way to change the featureset and/orwireless system supported by a wireless device to effectively extend itsusefulness and product life.

[0024] Other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent upon further consideration of the specification and drawings.While the following description may contain many specific detailsdescribing particular embodiments of the invention, this should not beconstrued as limitations to the scope of the invention, but rather as anexemplification of preferred embodiments. For each aspect of theinvention, many variations are possible as suggested herein that areknown to those of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025]FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating a flexible wirelesscommunication system that includes a cellular telephone handset andcartridges for use with different cellular network systems or standardssuch as the AMPS and GSM wireless systems.

[0026]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a removable mobile telephonesystem cartridge containing internal wireless communications componentrythat may be installed in a flexible wireless cellular telephone.

[0027]FIG. 2B is a simplified side view of a modular mobile telephonecartridge illustrating the handset/cartridge interface that may includeoperational and reserved pins for connection to wireless telephonehandsets.

[0028]FIG. 3A describes a removable cellular telephone system cartridgethat is a printed circuit board with integrated circuits that are notenclosed in a protective housing.

[0029]FIG. 3B is a simplified perspective of a removable systemcartridge that is formed as a single GSM integrated circuit.

[0030]FIG. 3C is a simplified perspective view of a system cartridgeprovided with a PCMCIA Type III or other PC card configuration.

[0031]FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a cellular telephonehandset with an internally mounted cartridge formed with an antennaextending beyond the handset unit.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a simplified perspective view of a flexible wirelesstelephone with a hinged cover that provides convenient access to amodular wireless system cartridge that may be hidden from ordinary viewso as to avoid taking apart the handset by swinging open a panel orcover to gain access to the cartridge.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of a flexible wirelesstelephone formed in accordance with the invention that contains aplurality of ports for multiple cartridges.

[0034]FIG. 7 is a flexible modular smartphone with a large touch-screenand cartridge provided in accordance with another aspect of the presentinvention wherein the unit may be divided into two separate components.

[0035]FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the present invention which is aflexible wireless PDA with a cartridge that operates with at least oneselective wireless system such as GSM.

[0036]FIG. 9 is a simplified front view of a wireless telephone keypadfor a flexible cellular telephone that supports expandable featuresets.

[0037]FIG. 10 is a simplified flow chart illustrating how a systemcartridge formed in accordance with the present invention may expand theexisting featureset of a flexible wireless telephone.

[0038]FIG. 11 is a block diagram generally illustrating the internalelectronic components of a cellular telephone cartridge and unit.

[0039]FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the components of atypical wireless cellular telephone which includes internal electronicsand a variety of external handset componentry.

[0040]FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an alternate embodiment ofthe present invention which provides a flexible wireless telephone andsystem cartridge of reduced cost where the RF/IF system and antenna areseparate from the cartridge and are included in the handset.

[0041]FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating yet another flexiblewireless telephone and system cartridge that includes most of theinternal electronics components except for the handset-specificmicrocontroller or microprocessor and external components including thespeaker and the microphone.

[0042]FIG. 15 is a flexible wireless telephone and system cartridgesystem that includes a distinct memory component for storing user datasuch as telephone numbers located in the handset section that maycommunicate with a microcontroller within the cartridge through adatabus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] The present invention provides methods and apparatus for aflexible and versatile wireless communication system. The particularfeatures of the described embodiments in the following description maybe considered individually or in combination with other variations andaspects of the invention.

[0044]FIG. 1 provides a simplified diagram illustrating a flexiblewireless communication system 10 formed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. The wireless system 10 may include acellular telephone handset 12 and one or more modular cartridges 14A andB. Separate cartridges 14A and B may support the operation of differentcellular network standards and radio frequencies around the worldincluding AMPS, GSM or any other wireless system or protocol. Althoughmany cellular telephones share a common wireless infrastructure, theyoften include a variety of different external componentry. For purposesof the following description of the invention, it should be understoodthat a wireless telephone may be defined as a communication devicewithin a particular wireless system or network. Examples of wirelesstelephones may include cellular, cordless, personal handy, or eveninfra-red telephones. In comparison, examples of wired telephonestypically include land line communication devices that rely on hardwiredconnections such as twisted pair or RJ-11 cords. A wireless telephone ismost often small and portable, and can greatly vary in weight or size.The physical characteristics of the handset and the cartridge describedherein may vary greatly, and may conform to known cellular telephonesdesigns or those developed in the future.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, a flexible wireless telephone 12 may operatewithin an AMPS wireless system with a preselected cartridge 14A. Theapparatus may include a basic flexible handset 12 and a firstpreselected cartridge 14A or B that includes a featureset within thewireless system 10. Although the handset generally shown in FIG. 1 isdescribed in a relatively simplified manner, the invention mayincorporate highly sophisticated wireless telephone designs which may beequally adaptable. Other flexible wireless telephones may becommercially available in the future which contain additional featuresand are applicable to the invention. The handset 12 may operate withinmultiple wireless systems, and may be selectively connected to a secondpreselected cartridge 14B for operation with GSM or any other system.The second cartridge 14B for the GSM wireless system may include thesame or similar basic components, wiring, and mechanical features of theAMPS cartridge 14A, but the wireless components may be configured foroperation within the GSM system. The specific radio frequencies andindividual wireless components within these cartridges for eachparticular wireless communication system are well known to those ofordinary skill in the field as described in the Philips Semiconductorsfor Wireless Communications Handbook (1997) which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, a universal wirelesscellular telephone system is provided as a cellular telephone kit with aset of cartridges as similarly shown in FIG. 1. The wireless kit mayinclude a wireless communication handset having a first set of at leastone wireless communication component that supports at least a first anda second cellular system. The first and the second cellular system maybe the same or a different system or wireless standard such as AMPS orGSM, or even similar wireless systems with different ranges of operatingfrequencies. The handset may also include a handset interface incommunication with the first set of wireless communication components. Afirst modular cartridge may be provided having a second set of at leastone wireless communication component that provides a first set offeatures for the first cellular system. The first cartridge may beformed with an interface in communication with the second set ofwireless components within the first cartridge. The cartridge interfacemay be also configured for removable connection to the handset or thehandset interface. In addition, a second modular cartridge may beincluded in the kit or system having a third set of at least onewireless communication component that provides a second set of featuresfor the second cellular system. A second cartridge interface may besimilarly provided that is in communication with the third set ofcomponents within the second cartridge. The second cartridge interfacemay also be configured for removable connection to a handset interface.It should be understood that the first and the second set of wirelesscommunications features within each cartridge may provide the same or adifferent collection of services. The exact same features such as callwaiting and caller ID may be provided or supported by the cartridge ineach instance, but within different wireless systems. An entire new setof features may be selected for cost-effective operation within the samesystem on the same handset.

[0047] The modular cartridges and flexible handsets provided herein maycontinually support expanded or improved features in a variety ofwireless systems. In the day-to-day operation of a cellular telephone,for example, an individual may use the flexible handset in essentiallythe same manner as any other present day wireless telephone. Asubscriber may initiate and receive telephone calls in the ordinarycourse of conversation, and at the same time, perform other availablehandset functions that are selected including conference calling, callwaiting or forwarding. However, when the user desires or is forced tooperate within a different wireless system, the user would not berequired to switch to another wireless telephone as would be the casewith wireless telephones of today. Rather, the user may easily switch anexisting cartridge with a replacement cartridge within the handset tosupport operation within the different wireless system. An entire newfeatureset may be simultaneously added within selected cartridges toaccess other capabilities offered by the handset. As a result, the sametelephone handset may be continually used by a subscriber who istraveling between areas serviced by different wireless systems or withina different set of operating frequencies for the same system.

[0048]FIG. 2A provides an illustration of a removable mobile telephonesystem cartridge 20 that may be installed in a flexible wirelesscellular telephone. The overall configuration of the wirelesscommunications cartridges described herein may be readily variedaccording to accepted product standards. For example, the cellulartelephone cartridge may be basically configured as a PC card with a TypeI, II or III PCMCIA configuration. The cartridges may conform to anyselected standard including current or future PCMCIA standards.Additionally, the cartridge may also include an antenna (not shown) tosupport one or more wireless communication systems. Many differentantennas may be selected for reception of RF waves or signals innumerous wireless systems around the world. An appropriate shape, sizeand length may be therefore selected for any particular antennacomponent in relation to the cartridge. The antenna may also beretractable or set at a fixed length or position with respect to thebody of the cartridge. Alternatively, it may be desirable to provide thecartridge with a detachable antenna which may facilitate repairs orsupport the change of operating frequencies within a new or differentwireless system. The overall appearance and color of the cartridge,antenna, handset or any other component of the wireless system andcomponents described herein, may be varied according to currentspecifications or those developed in the future. For example, thewireless communications components within the cartridge may be directlyexposed or enclosed within a casing or housing formed of substantiallytransparent material, or otherwise visible to some extent by anoperator. Alternatively, the wireless communications components may beentirely covered or hidden from view within a casing formed of plasticor other suitable material. When the cartridge is connected to thetelephone handset, at least some portion of the cartridge may bevisible, or the components may be thus completely hidden from operatorview.

[0049] A modular cellular telephone cartridge 20 as illustrated in FIG.2A may be offered as part of a kit for updating a configurable cellulartelephone handset (not shown). The cartridge kit may include areplacement cellular cartridge 20 with wireless communicationscomponents that provide a set or collection of selected mobile telephonefeatures for at least one cellular telephone system. The features mayinclude any function supported or provided by the wireless telephone. Acartridge interface may be formed with a coupling configured forconnection to a cellular telephone handset. The cellular handset may attimes already have an existing cellular cartridge that supports theoperation of at least one cellular telephone system, and may be updatedor upgraded with a replacement cartridge 20. The cartridge kit mayinclude a set of instructions for updating the cellular telephonehandset by replacing the existing cellular cartridge with thereplacement cellular cartridge. The instructions may be provided in anyform including a standard sheet of written instructions packaged withthe cartridge, a description printed directly onto the package orcartridge, stored instructions on electronic media such as videotape orfloppy disks, or any other manner to provide instructions to replace thecartridge. The cellular telephone cartridge kit may be packaged for atleast one cellular telephone system including an AMPS or GSM system thatis supported by the wireless communication components of the cartridge.A single integrated modular cartridge may support a plurality ofcellular telephone standards such as the AMPS and NADC systems, or anyother combination of systems. Many different wireless communicationsystems or protocols may be supported with the same flexible handset incombination with an appropriate set of interchangeable cartridges.

[0050] Modular cartridges formed in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention may include a wide variety of wirelesscommunications componentry and subsystems. Any of these subsystems maybe alternately installed in the corresponding handset as opposed to thecartridge component. Wireless communications components within acartridge may include a radio frequency/intermediate frequency (RF/IF)subsystem. The RF/IF subsystem may further include any number oftransmitters and receivers, and may further include IF processingcircuitry to further reduce or process RF signals. In addition, theRF/IF subsystem may contain frequency synthesis components to manipulateor generate selected signals. Another possible subsystem within thecartridge may include a baseband subsystem with a digital signalprocessor component. Other possible subsystems may be directed to voiceprocessing and power management. Any of the subsystems or associatedwireless electronic components may be integrated onto at least onecomputer chip. The at least one computer chip many further include atleast one microcontroller, a central processing unit, a microprocessor,a memory storage device or a digital signal processor.

[0051] The modular cartridge 20 show in FIG. 2A may be formed withestablished electrical-pin configurations. The cartridge interface 22may include interface pins 24 configured for communication with acorresponding cellular telephone handset interface (not shown). In oneembodiment of the present invention, handset and cartridge interfacesmay conform to the mechanical specifications of the 1995 PC Cardstandard. The cartridge interface 22 or its particular pin architecturemay substantially or completely comply with PC Card standardsestablished for any given year, or with other mechanical designs similarto a PC Card pin architecture. The female pin holes 24 formed along thecartridge interface 22 may fit with corresponding male pins within ahandset interface once the cartridge is connected to or inserted intothe handset. The interface pins 24 may include both operational andreserved pins. The operational pins may correspond to active pins thatsupport particular functions in a particular handset. The reserved pinsmay correspond to currently non-active pins that are reserved forfunctionalities to be added in the future with a different handset orwithin a different wireless system. The pin hole designations providedby the cartridge may conform to particular pin functionalities for ahandset/cartridge interface. It will be observed that any suitable pinarrangement may be selected, and may include the following pin numberarrangement and designated functionality: 1. GND; 2. GND₂; 3. VCC₁;4.VCC₂; 5. V_(REF); 6. V_(ss); 7. SCL (I²C Bus); 8. SDA (I²C Bus); and9. Power Toggle. Antenna pins may be 10. ANT₁ and 11. ANT₂. A set ofpins for an LCD may include: 12. V_(o); 13.V_(LCD); and 14. V_(DD). Thefollowing group of pins may be assigned for microphone operation: 15.IN₁ (analog audio in); 16. IN₂ (analog audio in); 17. Microphone GainControl; 18. VOX output; and the speaker: 19. OUT₁ (analog audio out);and 20. OUT₂ (analog audio out). Keypad pins may include: 21. KeypadData and 22. Keypad Interrupt. The battery pins may be: 23. Positive and24. Negative. Other active and reserved pins may be designated asfollows: 25. Reserved; 26. RF bypass; 27. DATAin; 28. DATAout; 29. RSSI(Received Signal Strength Indicator); 30. TEST; 31. CLK; 32. BatteryFull indication; 33. Battery Low indication; 34. Battery ChargerConnected; 35-36. Charge Battery Output; 37. Unit in Use indicator;38-40. Battery Level pins (SCI, I_(osc), SCAN); 41. Battery VoltageDetector (VAC); 42-76 (other pins). For additional functions, pins 77-84may be reserved pins for future upgrades or improvements. It should beunderstood that all pins are not necessarily connected to only oneparticular wireless subsystem or circuit. For example, the SCL and SDA(I²C) interface pins may be connected to other integrated circuits inaddition to those specifically mentioned. A variety of microcontrollers,i.e., Phillips P83CL580, may be included within the cartridge that arealso connected to SCL and SDA pins. While almost any combination ofwireless subsystems may be provided within the cartridge section,certain wireless communication components such as liquid crystaldisplays (LCDs) may more practically reside in a handset as opposed tothe cartridge. The particular pin configuration and assignment of pinnumbers for selected functions supported by the cartridge andcorresponding handset may be implemented according to designationsadopted and known by those of ordinary skill in the field.

[0052] The handset/cartridge interface may include both active andnon-active pins for any number of PC Card pin configurations including a68-pin architecture. Particular pins may support fully operationalfunctions within the handset and cartridge, as described above, andother pins may be reserved for future use. For example, the handset maybe formed with reserved male pins even though the cartridge and thehandset do not support any current corresponding function. The reservedpins are included within the handset and cartridge interface in order toallow future expandability when the need arises. When more active pinsare needed for operating other flexible wireless telephones, forexample, the available number of reserved pins within the same 84-pininterface may be activated to support new functions.

[0053] The reserved pin architecture of cartridges described hereineffectively extends the lifespan of an adopted interface specificationwhile providing another level of control in offering subscriberservices. By reserving pins for future use, a manufacturer is not forcedto completely design a new interface when additional pins are needed forsubsequently developed functions. For example, a manufacturer mayinitially provide wireless telephones to its subscribers according to anaccepted specification and architecture to support a current set offeatures. However, it may subsequently develop additional features suchas an infrared port for its wireless telephones. The infrared port mayoperate with two additional pins in the cartridge/handset interface toexchange data to and from the cartridge. Because the handset/cartridgeinterface includes reserved pins, the manufacturer may assign ordedicate any number of unused or available pins for the infrared port.The absence of this reserved pin architecture would most likely lead tothe costly creation of a new interface involving new part designs andtooling. At the same time, the reserved pins of the invention alsoprovide a manner in which manufacturers can limit or control the rangeof accessible features within a particular handset. A handset may befully capable of providing a greater number of functions to a subscriberthan the person is willing to pay for at the current time. Thesubscriber would be therefore provided with an appropriate cartridgehaving a relatively limited set of functions and components to supportthese selected features through active pins. The reserved cartridge pinsin this case would essentially serve no instant function. Although thehandset may actually support additional functions, they would not beaccessible without an appropriate cartridge with correspondingcomponents and designated active pins. Specifically, the flexiblewireless telephone may include a particular control or button for acurrently unselected feature that may nonetheless send signals toselected pins in the cartridge interface. Since the cartridge may enableor provide support for only certain functionality, and may not includesuitable componentry to support the unselected function or the selectedcorresponding handset pins, signals sent by the control to the cartridgein this instance can be essentially ignored. However, a replacementcartridge may be substituted with supportive wireless components toaccess the function with a corresponding interface that recognizes theselected pins and/or signals to perform selected functions whenactivated. Service upgrades may be readily performed in the same mannerwith the replacement of a cartridge within a handset. For example, ahandset interface may include a redial (RDL) button on a handset toprovide a redial function for the last number entered, and a special(SPL) button for a special or currently undefined function. When thespecial function is not supported or defined by the selected cartridge,handset signals sent to the cartridge from the SPL or the specialinstruction button will be ignored. However, telephone manufacturers maysubsequently decide to offer a one-touch emergency number 911 featurethat may be activated by touching the reserved SPL button. An existingcartridge with only the RDL function may be therefore replaced with onethat also includes the emergency dial feature. The replacement cartridgewill include the appropriate components and instructions to provide thisadded feature, and will now recognize signals sent through pins assignedto the SPL button. A shift key (SFT) or any other type of defined keymay provide even more additional reserved functions within a giveninterface and pin configuration. As a result, the same wirelesstelephone unit may gain at least one new feature or a set of newfeatures by the replacement cartridge. The use of reserved pins andbuttons within a handset interface on a keypad or a separate controlprovide even more expanded capabilities to the flexible wirelesstelephones described herein. A higher level of flexibility and upgradingmay be thus achieved for both the operation of the handsets withindifferent wireless systems and their available functions.

[0054]FIG. 2B illustrates another modular mobile telephone cartridge 25with a cartridge interface that may include operational 26 and reserved28 pins for connection to wireless telephone handsets. The interfacebetween the handset and the cartridge may both include complementary pinstructures or connective elements other than conventional PC Cardconfigurations. The interface may include many different types ofconnectors, female and male pin configurations, or signal transmittingstructures. A reserved pin architecture may be similarly applied toprovide connectors that are not currently used by the handset or thecartridge. At least some of these connections may be reserved andsubsequently used by a future handset/cartridge combination to provideadditional functionality or features later developed. Furthermore, itmay be possible to implement a flexible wireless telephone that receivesa cartridge that completely adopts a particular standard such as the1995 PC Card standard or any other PC Card standard implementation. Oneof the primary advantages for PC card embodiments of the invention isthat the PC Card implementation is widely considered a common and provenstandard. However, it is possible to modify a wireless handsetpreviously configured to a particular standard with appropriate adaptorsor interfaces to fit an existing or updated cartridge configuration.When a PC Card configuration is adopted in its entirety, certaincomponents of the handset would be modified accordingly to conform withsystem requirements. For example, the analog voice signals to thespeaker and the microphone may be digitized in the handset beforecommunication across the PC card interface. Other wirelesscommunications components such as a display, speaker, and other handsetcontrol signals may also conform to digital signal parameters for the PCCard bus architecture. Alternatively, the PC card may be adoptedstrictly as a mechanical standard only. This relatively simpleembodiment of the invention may leverage the PC Card standard in certainrespects, and borrow only the physical specification of the PC Cardstandard. The cartridge may be conventionally shaped like a PC card with68 connectors for certain applications. Similarly, a complementaryhandset socket may be also configured as a PC card socket. The pinassignments for the wireless communication cartridges provided hereinmay be therefore mapped according to industry PC standards or selectedmanufacturer specifications.

[0055]FIG. 3A is another embodiment of the invention that provides aremovable cellular telephone system cartridge 30 that is provided as aprinted circuit board with integrated circuits that are not enclosed ina protective housing thus revealing the internal electronic components.A cartridge for the flexible wireless telephones described herein may infact entirely lack an enclosure or external casing. The cartridge mayinclude partially exposed portions or sections encased withsubstantially transparent material. These outwardly visible systems mayinclude the control system, the digital signal processor (DSP), theRF/IF system, or even the RAM components for storing relevantinformation. The contact points 32 provided by the circuit boardconstruction may communicate with a handset. As with replaceablecomputer motherboards or printed circuit boards, a case-less cartridgehas particular advantages such as providing a lighter weight, smaller,or more economical component. However, this configuration may provideless protective covering than desired for certain applications, and maypresent a more delicate installment or connection process. Uponinstallation within a handset, the casing of the unit may providecontainment and sufficient covering.

[0056] The interchangeable wireless system cartridges provided inaccordance with the invention may be also formed as a removable singleintegrated computer chip 34 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. The integratedcircuit 34 for supporting wireless communications within a GSM system,for example, may be removably detached from a handset directly or evenfrom another cartridge as a sub-assembly. Moreover, each subsystemincluding the digital signal processor (DSP) may be individually updatedor replaced in the flexible handsets or cartridges described herein. Acomplete wireless communications integrated circuit kit withappropriately selected components may be provided for upgrading aconfigurable wireless communications device. The kit may include amodular integrated circuit having a plurality of wireless electroniccomponents that provides an upgraded set of predetermined featureswithin at least one wireless communication system. The computer chip 34may be formed with an interface 36 configured for connection with awireless communications device that supports the operation of the set ofpredetermined features provided. The kit may further includeinstructions to upgrade the configurable wireless communications deviceby connecting the modular integrated circuit to the device. Themicroprocessor component or any other component may include anindividual or set of removable integrated circuits or computer chipsthat perform a range of functions. The desired functionality within aparticular standard may be therefore provided on chip sets or a singleIC that can be readily replaced. For example, to change from one digitalsystem to another, a selected or minimal number of components may bereplaced such as the digital signal processor or read-only memory.Increased flexibility and robustness for the wireless telephone may beincreased by configuring the unit to include more removable wirelesscomponents to even permit significant alterations such as switchingbetween analog and digital systems.

[0057]FIG. 3C provides another embodiment of a system cartridge 38formed in accordance with the invention. The cartridge 38 may includewireless componentry within a Type III or other type of PC Card with thesame mechanical specifications. Although PCMCIA standards are widelyfollowed in the industry, other cartridge configurations may be devisedto promote the flexibility of the wireless handsets provided herein. ThePC card implementation, however, offers many unique advantages. PC cardsand PC card sockets are currently available as standard off-the-shelfparts. Moreover, the different number of PC card type configurationsprovide a range of sizes for the cartridges to contain selected wirelesselectronics in a PC card for a system such as AMPS, an appropriatenumber of pins or connections in the PC Card standard for signals andcontrols. In order to reduce the risk of confusion between telephone andcomputer PC cards described herein, it may be more convenient to modifythe casings or coverings for the removable wireless units to includeunique slots or grooves 39 to minimize unintended connection directlywith a computer.

[0058] Another variation of the invention provides a wireless cellulartelephone handset 42 that includes an internally mounted cartridge 44 asshown in FIG. 4. The internal replacement provides a cartridge 44 thatis ordinarily hidden from view while the antenna 46 connected to thecartridge may be allowed to protrude from the handset 42. The antenna 46may be also formed as part of the cartridge 44, and the handset 42 mayinclude an opening or hole 48 to permit the antenna to protrude throughthe casing or housing of the handset. For this flexible wirelesstelephone design, the user may disassemble or take apart the handset 42to replace the cartridge 44. Although this configuration may requiremore time to effectuate a cartridge exchange or update, it may create amore aesthetically pleasing handset 42 exterior with simpler lines. Thisdesign for the cartridge 44 and handset 42 may be particularly usefulwhen the cartridge is only replaced once every few years. Anothervariation may provide a hybrid design that is a combination of internaland external configurations. The physical appearance of the handset 42may be similar to any wireless telephone available today. It may includea variety of components such as a speaker 50, a microphone 52, a display54, a power-button hard-wired control 56, and a keypad 58. The handset42 may also contain various types and numbers of controls and keys 60. Avariety of subsystems or wireless communication components may befurther selected in the handset 42 including a microcontroller or amicroprocessor, and a memory storage with a computer operating system.Moreover, a battery 62 may be detachably connected to the handset 42.The battery 62 may include power-level indicators and appropriate chargemonitor circuits. The basic cellular telephone speaker 50, microphone52, and keypad 58 components may be supplemented with more advanced orsophisticated componentry, and may implement various designspecifications including the IEEE 1394 firewire standard or theUniversal Serial Bus standard for communications. The internalelectronics of the wireless telephone 40 may be housed within aremovable cartridge 44 which can be slipped in and out of the handset42. The handset/cartridge interface may include a socket, and mayoperate to connect the cartridge 44 with the handset 42. The socket mayhold the cartridge 44 relative to the handset 42, and may guide thecartridge to the pins at the back of the interface. The shape of thesocket may also prevent the cartridge from being inserted in the wrongway.

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a modular cellular telephone cartridgemay be internally positioned within the handset. The handset andcartridge together may be provided as a kit with a set of instructionsfor changing a set of selected mobile telephone features or a networksystem by selecting different modular cellular telephone cartridges tothe handset. The handset may thus gain improved or expanded functionalcapabilities when matched with different cartridges. The cartridge mayhave wireless communication components that provide a set of selectedmobile telephone features for at least one cellular telephone system. Acartridge interface may be formed for communication with the handsetinterface to support the operation of the wireless communicationscomponent for selected cellular telephone systems. The handset mayinclude at least one wireless communication component that supports thefunctionality provided by the cartridge and set of selected mobiletelephone features for at least one cellular telephone network system.The handset may incorporate an interface or socket that is designed forconnection to a matching cartridge. The socket may include thehandset/cartridge interface. The socket in the handset may be in somerespects similar to a PC card slot on a portable computer or a gamecartridge slot on a home game machine. Although the cartridge may bephysically similar to a PC Card or a game cartridge, it may actuallycontain internal electronics that are made for wireless telephones. Asection of the socket may include the handset/cartridge interface whichmay in turn include appropriate pins for connection with the cartridge.The socket and cartridge may be shaped to prevent incorrect insertion ofthe cartridge. The interface or a socket connection in the handset maybe also configured for connection to a plurality of modular cellulartelephone cartridges each having a plurality of electronic wirelesscommunication components that provide a set of selected mobile telephonefeatures. The interface may substantially comply with PC Card standardsestablished by the PCMCIA such as a Type III slot. A plurality ofinterfaces may be formed in the handset that are configured as socketsfor connection to PC cards, wireless component cartridges, smartcards,or any other attachment including an infrared port for infraredcommunications.

[0060] The universal wireless cellular telephone handset shown in FIG. 4may be configured for a variety of operating features with detachable orhardwired peripherals. The handset may include a keypad consisting ofphysical depressible keys or a touchscreen display of key images oricons that are provided by a computer. Additionally, the handset mayfeature a wide variety of displays including active matrix displays. Thehandset may further include a data exchange interface for communicationwith other wireless or non-wireless devices. For common cellulartelephone applications, the handset may have interfaces that areconfigured for use with hands-free cellular telephone accessories,particularly for operation in moving vehicles such as automobiles.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, flexible wireless telephones provided hereinmay be formed with a hinged cover that provides convenient access to anenclosed modular wireless system cartridge 70. The cartridge 70 may behidden from ordinary view and may be replaced or changed by simplyswinging open a door or panel 72 to gain access to the cartridge so asto avoid taking apart the entire handset 75. Additionally, thisarchitecture may be similar to currently available PC card devices andgame cartridges. Although the cartridge 70 may be hidden from view whenpositioned inside the handset 75, a trap door or easily removablesection 72 of the handset may allow easy access to the cartridge forquick replacement. The handset 75 may be both aesthetically pleasing andpermit easy replacement of the cartridge 70. Furthermore, upgrades maybe readily performed without complicated equipment and highly technicalpersonnel. The step of upgrading or reprogramming the flexible wirelesscellular telephones described herein may be accomplished with a kitcomprising a wireless communication handset having a first set ofwireless communication components that support a cellular system. Ahandset interface may be included that is connected to or incommunication with the set of wireless components. In addition, the kitmay include a first modular cartridge that also has a second set ofwireless communication components that provide a first set of wirelesscommunications features for a first cellular system. The first cartridgemay be formed with an interface in communication with the second set ofwireless communication components configured for removable connection tothe handset interface. The kit may further include a set of instructionsfor reconfiguring the wireless communication handset. For example, asecond modular cartridge having a third set of wireless communicationcomponents may provide a second set of wireless communications featuresfor a second cellular system. The second cartridge may be formed with asecond cartridge interface in communication with the third set ofwireless components, and may be configured for removable connection tothe handset interface. The first modular cartridge may be disconnectedfrom the handset by separating the interface connection between thehandset and the first cartridge. The second cartridge may be thereafterconnected to the handset through the interface connection between thehandset and the second cartridge. The first and the second set ofwireless communications features may be the same or different, and mayalso provide the same or an updated featureset. In the event an operatorelects to revert back to a previous system, switching back to theearlier system merely involves re-using the original cartridge in thehandset. This allows a user to easily switch to a GSM system whilestaying in Europe, for example, and flexibly operate within an AMPSwireless system when traveling in the United States. During eachoccasion, the same handset with the same stored information may be used.Moreover, when the user elects to access more features supported by acurrent wireless telephone, the user would not necessarily purchaseanother telephone. The user may simply select a replacement cartridgethat provides the wireless telephone with an expanded featureset. Asdescribed above, a multi-system cartridge may be also provided thatsupports more than one wireless system. When a wireless service isavailable for two different systems or more, as with available dual-modetelephones, one or more cartridges that support additional systems maybe provided. Multi-system cartridges may be particularly useful forusers who travel frequently between two or more different systems. Thisrelatively straightforward replacement of cartridges with the apparatusprovided herein may readily support one or two systems at any giventime.

[0062] The flexible handset 75 shown in FIG. 5 may include numerouscomponents such as a speaker 77, a microphone 79, a display 80, a powerbutton hard-wired control, a keypad 84, and a battery. Each of thesecomponents may be mounted to the handset case or body 86, and may beelectronically connected to the handset/cartridge interface (not shown).The speaker 77 may be mounted to the handset 75, and be assigned orconnected to OUT₁ and GND pins located within the handset interface. Thespeaker 77 may include a variety of sound emitting components that arecompatible with existing wireless telephone handset designs or systemsincluding the Phillips TDA 7050T chip as described in availableliterature such as the Phillips Data Handbook IC1. The TDA 7050T may belocated inside the cartridge, and may be connected to pins such as OUT₁,OUT₂ and GND. The microphone 79 may also have two connections leading toor within the interface, and may be connected to the IN₁ and GND pins.The microphone 79 may include a variety of sound receiving componentsthat are compatible with existing wireless handset designs as describedin industry literature such as the Philips Data Handbooks. In addition,a Phillips SA5752 chip may be located on the cartridge 70 and may beconnected to appropriate pins such as IN₁, IN₂, GND, microphone gaincontrol, and VOX output. The display 80 may be a liquid crystal display(LCD), and may be connected to a LCD display controller within thePhillips PCF2116 family in a manner known to those of ordinary skill inthe art as described in the Philips technical handbooks. The controllermay have at least six connections to the interface such as SCL, an I²Cbus line that is connected to the SCL pin on the interface, SDA, an I²Cbus line that is connected to the SDA pin on the interface, V_(o),V_(LCD), V_(DD), and V_(ss) which are calculated according to well knowntechniques, and are attached to the appropriate voltage pins on theinterface. These voltages may be supplied by a power managementcomponent in the cartridge. The power button hard-wired control may beconnected to the Power Toggle pin, which may in turn be connected to thepower management component that switches the telephone on and off. Inaddition to these and other traditional cellular telephone functions,the keypad 84 may be used to enter instructions into the handset 75.These instructions may be a telephone number or a command to access afunction. The keypad 84 may operate as a PC/AT keyboard with relativelyfewer keys, and may be capable of sending PC/AT keyboard signals to theinterface according to the particular keys pressed.

[0063] Other flexible wireless telephones formed in accordance with theconcepts of the invention may further contain a plurality of ports formultiple cartridges. The handset interface of a wireless communicationhandset may be configured for removable connection to a plurality ofmodular cartridges. One or more cartridges having the same or differentconfiguration may be connected to the handset unit simultaneously asdesired. The handset may be formed with multiple sockets for multiplecartridges. Additionally, a cartridge may be separated or figurativelybroken into two or more cartridges. Multiple cartridges may allow moreflexibility in replacing components. Selected sections or parts of theinternal electronics may be replaced instead of a whole section. Forexample, one section may contain the RF/IF electronics, and the othermay contain remaining internal electronics. When a different wirelesssystem only requires that the RF/IF electronics be replaced, the priceof converting to this system may be less because the RF/IF-onlycartridge would be replaced and would have fewer components. These andother advantages may be provided by the overall flexible wirelessarchitecture provided herein. The handset may further include additionalports for additional removable components which may contribute to arelatively larger and even more flexible portable unit.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of 1 to n cartridges (n>1) may beconnected to a handset 88 formed with a number of slots for simultaneousor selected connection to numerous cartridge interfaces (not shown).This concept can be further extended to n cartridges in one wirelesstelephone wherein n sockets are built into the wireless telephone. Foreach handset socket or slot, a variety of pin configurations may beselected. The handset may include a keypad assigned with a fiveconnector configuration: Reset, V_(SS), Data, GND, and Clock Interrupt.The Reset connector may not be necessarily used, and the V_(ss) may beconnected to an appropriate voltage pin on the handset interface. Also,the Data connector may be connected to the keypad Data pin on thehandset interface, and the Clock may be connected to the keypadInterrupt pin on the interface. A Phillips 87C751 microcontroller chipor similar control circuit may be placed in a cartridge, and may beconnected to the Data and Interrupt pins. The 87C751 and othercompatible controllers may convert PC/AT-type keyboard signals toPhillips I²C bus signals. The bus signals may be thereafter sent to themain microcontroller. This conversion and signal transmission may beaccomplished in accordance with known techniques, and in conformity withaccepted industry standards such as those described in availablePhillips manuals. Furthermore, a battery may be included in the handsetunit with a display to indicate battery level. A smart battery may bealso selected for the handset, and may have separate contacts forconnection to an electrical charger. The smart battery may furthercontain circuitry to monitor the battery, regulate charging, and displaybattery levels. A computer chip such as the Phillips SAA1500T may beused to perform these and other functions as described in the knownliterature such as Phillips handbooks. The battery may be generallyresponsible for battery management in the wireless telephone, and may beconnected to the handset interface at three pins: positive, negative,and reserved. These connections may directly lead to the powermanagement component in the cartridge. The power management component ofthe cartridge may control or supply power to the telephone, and mayreceive power directly or indirectly from a smart battery component inthe handset. Useable power may be thus delivered by the power managementcomponent to other cartridge components and the handset via variousinterface pins. It may also contain automatic power-off capabilities. Inaddition, an antenna may be also included as another separate orintegrated cartridge component. The handset interface may also includeANT₁ and ANT₂ pins that are reserved for future versions of the flexiblewireless telephone which may have different designs which may alsoinclude an antenna in the handset. In this configuration, two pins maybe used to communicate with the cartridge. The antenna may be connectedto the antenna hardware in the cartridge through the ANT₁ pin, which inturn, may be connected to a Phillips SA601 (or SA611, SA620, or SA621)and a transmission amplifier. The antenna hardware may include a duplexfilter, impedance-matching componentry, and optional diversityelectronics. The duplex filter may bandpass frequencies in the 824-849MHz and 869-894 MHz ranges for transmission and receiving so that oneantenna may be used for both sending and receiving signals. The antennamay be tuned for these or other selected frequencies. It may be furtherpossible to use two antennas to implement additional signal diversity.

[0065] The concepts provided herein may be generally applied to numerouswireless voice and data communication systems. While many of theillustrated embodiments are directed to wide-area voice devices such ascellular telephones, the invention may be equally applied to cordlesstelephones. The invention is further applicable for satellite-basedtelephone systems that are becoming more accessible to the generalpublic for communicating anywhere around the world. These devices whichpresently cost approximately $3,000 may enjoy a much longer useful lifeand greater appeal when modified in accordance with the architecturedescribed herein to operate within different wireless systems andupgradeable featuresets. Similarly, data transmission devices such aspagers or modems may be configured as provided herein to provide a moreflexible wireless device and system. The invention is applicable todevices with wireless communication systems in general. For example, theflexibility provided by the invention may be applied to smartphones orpersonal data assistants (PDAs) that operate within different systems orstandards.

[0066]FIG. 7 provides a flexible smartphone 90 with a large touch-screenthat includes a removable system cartridge 92. Other embodiments of theinvention may include a flexible wireless telephone architecture for avariety of smartphones such as the Nokia 9000. Communicator. Smartphonesmay be generally described as a wireless telephone that may also provideorganizer functionality such as a datebook, a contact manager, and ato-do list among other applications. A smartphone offers many currentand future functions as a hand-held computer and a wireless telephonethat are basically combined into one unit. They may be essentiallyconsidered an advanced wireless telephone in some respects, and may bemodified in accordance with the invention. Flexible smartphones 90possess many of the advantages of a flexible wireless telephone asdescribed above plus the added functionality of computer-likeoperations. Despite their typically large sizes when compared towireless telephones, a modular cartridge 92 and interface may beestablished between the internal and external components of the unit toprovide a flexible electronic device that supports universal operationwithin a variety of different wireless systems. In order to further themodularity of a flexible smartphone 90 or wireless telephone, thehandset portion may be further divided into several removable parts. Anyvariety of peripherals or additional computer accessories or devices maybe added to a basic handset unit which may be supported by one or moremodular cartridges that includes the internal electronics operating onat least one wireless standard. For example, a handset may include adetachable display 94 or a keypad 96. The screen 94 may be removablyconnected by a connector 98 to a telephone keypad section 96 thatincludes a wireless system cartridge 92. The modular cartridge 92 may beconnected to any section of the device which may be simply an integralunit that does not include detachable peripherals or accessories. Otheruniversal wireless voice communication devices may also include awireless communication handset having a first set of wirelesscommunication components that supports a selected wireless communicationsystem. The unit may include a handset interface connected to or incommunication with the first set of wireless communication components.Moreover, the handset interface may be configured for communication withone or more modular cartridges. Each modular cartridge may have a secondor another set of wireless communication components that provides a setof wireless communications features. The cartridge may further includean interface in communication with the second set of components that isremovably connected to the handset interface. The connected interfacesmay provide a shared coupling or access between the first and the secondset of wireless communication components. The handset may also include amoveable cover to retain and conceal the cartridge within the handset.The modular cartridge may include at least one microcontroller forcontrolling the wireless communications device, or at least oneintegrated circuit selected from the group consisting of digital signalprocessor integrated circuits, read-only memory integrated circuits andflash-memory integrated circuits. A wide variety of wirelesscommunications subsystems may be included within the cartridge such asan integrated RF or baseband processing subsystem, or a voice processingor power management subsystem that may control a smart battery in thetelephone that provides a controlled power source to the communicationdevice. The universal wireless voice communication device may have amodular cartridge and wireless communication handset interfaces that areconfigured to substantially or exactly conform with a selected PCMCIAstandard.

[0067]FIG. 8 is another embodiment of the present invention thatprovides a flexible personal data assistant (PDA) 100. In addition toperforming conventional telephone operations, a PDA 100 may includeelectronic components to help manage personal information as a personalorganizer in a manner similar to a smartphone. The PDA 100 usuallyincludes a screen 102 for displaying information, and supports variousoperating systems. The user interface of the telephone may be of anykind including a menu-driven interface. The display 102 or userinterface may employ various display technologies including LCDs, flatpanel LCDs including active matrix LCDs such as thin film transistor(TFT). The body 112 of the unit may otherwise include conventionalwireless components such as an antenna 104, speaker 106 and microphone108. The unit 100 may further include a wireless communicationscartridge 110 that supports at least one preselected wireless standard,and a compatible interface (not shown) for its removable connection tothe body of the unit. The unit may be configured as a mobile wirelesstelecommunication device with a modular cartridge that includes a firstset of at least one electronic wireless communications component thatprovides a set of selected features for at least one wirelesscommunication system, and a wireless communication handset with a secondset of at least one electronic wireless communications component formedwith a handset interface configured for a plurality of modularcartridges in communication with the modular cartridge to provide accessto the first set of at least one electronic wireless communicationscomponent. The wireless telecommunication device may be a voicecommunication device for operation in a cellular telephone system, or adata exchange device such as a pager. The cartridge electronics maysupport operation of the device within a wide-area or local-area networkcapable of exchanging transmission of voice, video and data signals.

[0068]FIG. 9 provides a wireless telephone keypad that may be selectedfor use with any of the flexible devices described herein. Theillustrated keys may be supplemented with additional keys to support avariety of expandable featuresets for the unit. The handset keypad maypermit a user to enter numbers or instructions with send (SND), end(END) or shift (SFT) keys that are received and processed by thewireless telephone. These instructions may include telephone numbers orcommands. A flexible wireless telephone keypad may perform manyfunctions similar to keypads used in traditional wireless telephones,and may further include added advantages in accordance with theinvention. For example, the flexible wireless telephone keypad may relayinstructions to perform useful functions and may further relayinstructions that may seemingly provide no discernable function. Asshown in FIG. 9, the SFT key may operate much like an option key on acomputer keyboard. Pressing the SFT key followed by any number 1 through6 may activate particular functions within a cartridge such asdisplaying battery life, signal strength or memory recall, engaging ordisengaging a handset lock, selecting a vibration or ringer mode, orverifying a telephone handset number, respectively. Meanwhile, pressingSFT followed by 7, 8, or 9 may perform or activate other functions orotherwise do nothing until selected for use with a future upgrade. Auser may however replace the cartridge with another having a differentor the same featureset, or with a more advanced version of software toperform new functions supported by the replacement cartridge and thetelephone. The first cartridge may ignore a SFT 7 signal, whereas thereplacement cartridge may recognize it and perform newly added functionssuch as dialing “911” or other preprogrammed features supported by thecartridge. Another aspect of the invention thus provides methods forreconfiguring a flexible wireless communication device by initiallyselecting a wireless handset having wireless communication componentryin communication with at least one handset interface and a firstremovable wireless communication cartridge with a first set ofpreselected features for a first wireless communication system that isremovably connected to the handset through the at least one handsetinterface. The first removable wireless communication cartridge may bedisconnected from the at least one handset interface. A second wirelesscommunication cartridge may be selected with a second set of preselectedfeatures for a second wireless communication system that is configuredfor connection with the at least one handset interface. The secondwireless communication cartridge may be connected to the at least onehandset interface to reconfigure the flexible wireless communicationdevice for operation with the second wireless communication cartridge.Moreover, a plurality of wireless communication cartridges may beremovably connected to additional handset interfaces formed within thewireless handset. One or more cartridges may be also selected thatconform with preselected configurations or established standards.Replacement cartridges may include electronic components that supportthe same or different wireless communication systems. The division ofcomponents between the cartridge and the handset may be completed inorder to reduce or minimize the number of identical components in acartridge that is replaced particularly for relatively simple serviceupgrades within the same wireless system. Similarly, the replacementcartridge(s) may provide the same or different set of features accordingto the same or different wireless standard.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, multiple cartridges formed in accordancewith the invention may effectively expand the featureset of a flexiblewireless telephone. This variation of the invention also providesmethods of upgrading cellular telephones wherein the handset isconnected to a first removable cellular telephone cartridge withelectronic wireless components that provide a pre-existing set offeatures for a particular wireless system. The first removable cellularcartridge A may be disconnected from the cellular telephone handset. Thefirst removable cellular telephone cartridge A may be replaced with asecond removable cellular telephone cartridge B with electronic wirelesscomponents that provide an upgraded set of features for the wirelesssystem. These steps may be reduced to a set or sheet of instructions,and may be packaged with the apparatus as a kit or system. For example,the keypad may send an appropriate signal to the interface to cartridgeA when a SFT 1 command is entered by a user via keypad data and keypadinterrupt pins to perform a redial function. Pressing SFT 8 may provideno function within cartridge A, and may correspond to reserved signalsfor future use. The microcontroller within the unit receives relayedkeypad commands and performs a function or ignores the signal dependingon whether the cartridge supports the keystroke. The substitutecartridge B may provide a new set of features either within the same ora different wireless system. The substitute cartridge B may continue toperform a redial function when SFT 1 is pressed, and may now perform anew function such as dialing “911” when SFT 8 is pressed. The particulardetails as to the connection and interaction between the signals of theelectronic components are well known to those of ordinary skill and maybe described in the literature such as the Phillips data handbook whichis incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0070] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate various relationships between differentcomponents within the handset and cartridge(s) provided herein. Thesecomponents may be divided differently among the handset and cartridge inpreselected groups for flexible operation of the wireless communicationdevices including but not limited to cellular telephones. FIG. 11provides a block diagram generally illustrating the internal electroniccomponents of a wireless communication cartridge unit. This simplifieddiagram may include representations of additional cartridge subsystemsand components. Any number of wireless semiconductors may be selectedfor the cartridge which includes components found in common wirelesscommunication subsystems for many wireless standards. Regardless of theparticular implementation or communication system, wireless devices suchas cellular telephones share common functionality that enablestransmission of information such as voice or data. For example, when anoperator speaks into the handset, a microphone in the handset convertsthe sounds to an electronic signal. The electronic signal may bedirected to the voice processor component (VPC) within a voiceprocessing sub-system 130. The VPC filters the signal and sends it tothe baseband processor component (BPC) with a baseband processorsub-system 126 which processes the signal for modulation. The signal isthereafter passed to the RF/IF component for actual modulation. Thesignal is eventually passed to the antenna which converts the signal toradio signals. When radio waves are received by a telephone, the antennaof the handset generally transfers the radio signals to the RF/IFcomponent. The RF/IF component filters the signal and demodulates it forthe BPC. The BPC may perform the processing and the decoding of theincoming baseband signal, and subsequently pass it to the VPC. The VPCperforms equalization and other modifications to the signal to make thesignal recognizable. The speaker converts the signal from the voiceprocessor to a emitted sound or voice that may be perceived by alistener. These common steps and processes are generally followed bymost forms of wireless communication and are exploited by the invention.Substitution of selected subsystems as provided herein may furthercontribute to recent trends of integrating more subsystems as technologydevelops towards consolidating different yet related components into asingle unit or computer chip. These flexible telephone handsets andcartridges may be considered a combination of interchangeable andintegrated components that support wireless communications.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 11, the service-specific microcontroller (SSMC)114 may be positioned within the cartridge portion 116 and control asubstantial portion of the interaction between various subsystems. TheSSMC 114 may direct a variety of commands, including when the wirelesstelephone handset is turned on, which signals to send out at varioustimes, and when to switch to another channel. The handset-specificmicrocontroller component (HSMC) 118 may control the logic foroperations selected for the handset, and may be connected to a datainterface 122 for communication with peripherals. For example, the HSMCmay control or perform functions within handset components 120 such ashandling the memory architecture for the handset unit, performingautomatic callback, enabling volume and display control, controlling thebattery, and any other duties that are not specific to the wirelesssystem. In some configurations, the SSMC 114 and the HSMC 118 may beintegrated and found on the same computer chip. Moreover, the SSMC 114or HSMC 118 may include RAM and/or ROM components or other memorycomponents. Other components in the wireless handset cartridge may bealso substituted with other components for different systems that havesimilar functionality. For example, a removable cartridge may beprovided for operation in a GSM wireless system that includes a RF/IFsubsystem 124 and antenna 125, baseband processor system 126, powermanagement system 128, and other selected components in the cartridge.Another cartridge with similar components may be adapted and designedspecifically for operation within a different wireless system. Thesecartridges may be configured to use smartcards that may be also used incombination with the present invention. While these types of modulardevices having integrated circuits themselves may include additionalfunctionality for their respective devices, the concepts provided hereinfacilitate and increase their flexible use within multiple wirelesssystems. The removable cartridges and flexible handsets formed inaccordance with the invention may effectively support the operation ofentirely different wireless systems.

[0072]FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a variety of externalhandset componentry for a wireless cellular telephone handset 132. Theinternal electronics 136 for the handset may be positioned within adiscrete cartridge section 134 permanently or removably attached to thehandset case. Many different cartridge component variations may beprovided herein since the handset/cartridge delineation may divide thewireless telephone assembly into at least two distinct parts, a handsetand at least one cartridge. For example, some components ordinarilypositioned within the cartridge may be actually placed external to thecartridge 134 and within the handset 132. Other components typicallyfound in the handset 132 may be also located in the cartridge 134. Thedivision of components may be accomplished in many ways to achievedifferent flexibility goals and to meet the demands of differentwireless systems. The concept of providing multiple component separationmay be further described upon reviewing general wireless telephonearchitecture. A flexible wireless telephone may include numerouscomponents within a case such as the microphone system 138, speakersystem 140, the battery 142, the keypad system 144, the hard-wiredhandset controls 146, the display or LCD component system 148, theantenna, a data interface system 150, the RF/IF component, the basebandprocessor, the voice processor the SSMC, the HSMC, and thepower-management component. It should be noted that the keypad does nothave to be a PC-AT keyboard, nor does it have to have a specifiedlayout. Any keypad configuration may be used with wireless telephonestoday. The telephone may even contain a security system as including apersonal identification number locking feature or even a trackingrecovery system that may be activated with keypad controls. Similarly,many variations are available for a display, microphone, speaker,antenna, or case. The handset may include a display device for providingvisual information for a user. The microcontrollers in the cartridge maysend I²C signals to the display when the display is updated. The handsetcase may be the physical skeleton of the wireless telephone, and mayhold the handset components in one unit. The handset may further includea visible or hidden socket for connection with a cartridge. Manydifferent types of battery architectures can also be used. More than onebattery may be selected, and the power management component may be evensplit up and divided between the handset and cartridge. The telephonehandset may be even configured to support a battery charger and avariety of other accessories. The battery may include battery rechargingcomponents and perform functions such as supplying power to a powermanagement subsystem within in the cartridge. The power managementsubsystem may control and convert electrical energy from the battery toother systems within the wireless telephone. The power managementsubsystem may also include circuits to control power consumption whenthe unit is in actual use, when it is turned on but kept in an idle,sleep or standby mode, or when processors are operating at reducedspeeds. Furthermore, the telephone may implement hardware and softwareto communicate over a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network(LAN) including local area wireless networks (LAWN) such as “BlueTooth.” The data interface system may support this functionality, andmay also support operation within a data wireless network such as a2-way paging service.

[0073]FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating an alternate embodiment ofthe invention that includes a flexible wireless telephone and systemcartridge. This configuration of the system may provide a system with areduced cost in that the RF/IF system 152 and antenna 154 are separatefrom the cartridge 160, and are included in the handset 170. Thehandset-specific microprocessor 156 components may be also positioned inthe handset section 170 to further reduce the number of components inthe cartridge 160 which may, in turn, reduce the size and cost of thecartridge section. At the same time, the data 158 and speaker/microphone162 systems may also be included in the handset 170. These handsetcomponents would no longer be upgradeable to change the featureset ofthe telephone with this configuration. When the antenna is located inthe handset section 170, for example, the cartridge 160 may besignificantly smaller in size, and may provide a relatively simplerdesign since the protruding antenna would be absent from the modularcartridge. However, an antenna provided within the cartridge section 160of the system may be preferable for many reasons such as eliminating theseparate replacement of both the cartridge and the antenna when they areincluded together. The cartridge electronics may also be optimized for asingle antenna such as impedance matching and other optimizations. Thecomplexity of the circuitry between the antenna and the cartridge may befurther simplified if the antenna was not contained in the handset. Whenupgrading or changing to a new system, exchanging two antennas andcartridge components separately may be avoided, and there may be areduced risk of confusion as to which antenna may correspond to whichcartridge. The invention again provides many different types ofdivisions and possible combinations for the subsystems which provideadded flexibility. However, it may be preferable for the handset of aflexible wireless telephone to include at least one electrical componentsuch as a speaker. The casing for the handset may further include othercomponents and related electrical connections. In addition, handsetcomponents may be substantially universal and may operate with multiplewireless systems. When the handset includes a component that precludesits use with multiple wireless systems, this tends to restrict theability of the system to provide a flexible wireless telephone. Forexample, when the telephone handset contains a filter that is only usedwith the AMPS standard, and does not operate within the GSM system, thetelephone may be limited in its ability to provide a flexible wirelesstelephone. However, a flexible telephone for use with multiple systemsmay be provided if the AMPS filter was controllably disabled or bypassedwhen communicating with another wireless system. A handset filter thatuniversally operates with many different wireless systems may preferablyprovide a flexible wireless telephone.

[0074] Another flexible wireless telephone and cartridge system providedherein is illustrated in FIG. 14. The majority of internal electronicscomponents may be included within the cartridge section 180 except forthe handset-specific microcontroller or microprocessor 182 componentsand external components such as the data system 184 andspeaker/microphone subsystem 186. The handset-specific microprocessor182 component is not necessarily integrated with the cartridge section180, and may be permanently hardwired with the handset 190. As describedabove, particular benefits are provided with this type of configurationwhen selected subsystems are provided in the handset 190 as opposed tothe cartridge portion 180.

[0075] Another flexible wireless telephone and cartridge system isfurther provided herein as described in FIG. 15. A distinct read/writememory subsystem 202 may be included with the handset 210 for storinguser data such as telephone numbers. The memory may be connected to andcommunicate with a microcontroller positioned within the cartridge 200through a databus. This optional component may provide storage of userdata. The optional memory component may also allow a user to storeinformation such as telephone numbers and names. In some applications,it may be particularly preferable to include a memory storage for userdata. The memory component may be positioned within either the handset210 or the cartridge 200. The memory component may be situated in thehandset so that the user information is not lost when the cartridge 200is replaced, or when the unit is upgraded or switched to a differentwireless system by substituting the cartridge. Alternatively, the memorycomponent may be included in a second cartridge or a mini-flash card.The second cartridge may be configured as a PCMCIA memory card or someother removable configuration that may connected to a correspondinghandset port or socket. When the memory component is separate from thecartridge, the handset/cartridge interface pin-out described here may beaugmented with a data bus that includes address pins, data pins, andcontrol pins. This interface may provide access of data across thehandset/cartridge interface. The data bus may include an 8-bit design,as suggested with certain AMPS implementations as described in thetechnical literature from Phillips, a 16-bit design, as suggested with aGSM implementation, or even 32-bit such as PCI or Cardbus. There areadditional components that may be included within the handset sectionsuch as an external jack for connection to a headset for hands-freeoperation, a data interface 204 for connecting the wireless telephone toa modem or computer, additional LEDs for battery-life warnings and othersignals, and additional controls for parameters like speaker/microphone206 volume control, ringer volume control, and backlighting. It may bepreferable to include these optional components in a flexible wirelesstelephone for certain applications, and may provide a more versatile andfunctional wireless telephone. The telephone may avoid inclusion ofthese additional elements, and may conform with relatively simplifieddesign parameters.

[0076] While the present invention has been described with reference tothe aforementioned applications explained in detail above, thesedescriptions and illustrations of the preferred embodiments and methodsare not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. It shall beunderstood that all aspects of the present invention are not limited tothe specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions setforth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables.Various modifications in form and detail of the various embodiments ofthe disclosed invention, as well as other variations of the presentinvention, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art uponreference to the present disclosure. It is therefore contemplated thatthe appended claims shall cover any such modifications, variations orequivalents of the described embodiments as falling within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A universal wireless cellular telephone systemcomprising: a wireless communication handset having a first set of atleast one wireless communication component that supports at least afirst and a second cellular system and a handset interface incommunication with the first set of at least one wireless communicationcomponent; a first modular cartridge having a second set of at least onewireless communication component that provides a first set of wirelesscommunications features for the first cellular system and a firstcartridge interface in communication with the second set of at least onewireless communication component and configured for removable connectionto the handset interface; and a second modular cartridge having a thirdset of at least one wireless communication component that provides asecond set of wireless communications features for the second cellularsystem and a second cartridge interface in communication with the thirdset of at least one wireless communication component and configured forremovable connection to the handset interface.
 2. The universal wirelesscellular telephone system as recited in claim 1 wherein the firstcellular system and the second cellular system are the same wirelesscellular system.
 3. The universal wireless cellular telephone system asrecited in claim 1 wherein the first set of wireless communicationsfeatures and the second set of wireless communications features are thesame.
 4. The universal wireless cellular telephone system as recited inclaim 1 wherein the handset interface has only one connector.
 5. Theuniversal wireless cellular telephone system as recited in claim 1wherein the first and/or second modular cartridges contain an antenna.6. A universal wireless cellular telephone kit comprising: a wirelesscommunication handset having a first set of at least one wirelesscommunication component that supports at least one cellular system and ahandset interface in communication with the first set of at least onewireless communication component; a first modular cartridge having asecond set of at least one wireless communication component thatprovides a first set of wireless communications features for a firstcellular system and a cartridge interface in communication with thesecond set of at least one wireless communication component configuredfor removable connection to the handset interface; and a set ofinstructions for reconfiguring the wireless communication handsetcomprising the following steps of: selecting a second modular cartridgehaving a third set of at least one wireless communication component thatprovides a second set of wireless communications features for a secondcellular system and a second cartridge interface in communication withthe third set of at least one wireless communication componentconfigured for removable connection to the handset interface;disconnecting the first modular cartridge interface from the handsetinterface; and connecting the second cartridge interface to the handsetinterface.
 7. The wireless communication handset as recited in claim 6wherein the first and the second set of wireless communications featuresare the same and the wherein the first and the second cellular systemare different.
 8. The wireless communication handset as recited in claim6 wherein the first and the second set of wireless communicationsfeatures are different and wherein the first and the second cellularsystem are the same.
 9. The wireless communication handset as recited inclaim 6 wherein the first and the second set of wireless communicationsfeatures are different and wherein the first and the second cellularsystem are different.
 10. The wireless communications handset as recitedin claim 6 wherein the handset interface has only one connector.
 11. Thewireless communications handset as recited in claim 6 wherein the firstand second modular cartridges contain an antenna.
 12. A method forreconfiguring a flexible wireless communication device comprising thesteps of: selecting a wireless handset having wireless communicationcomponentry in communication with at least one handset interface and afirst removable wireless communication cartridge with a first set ofpreselected features for a first wireless communication system that isremovably connected to the handset through the at least one handsetinterface; disconnecting the first removable wireless communicationcartridge from the at least one handset interface; selecting a secondwireless communication cartridge with a second set of preselectedfeatures for a second wireless communication system that is configuredfor connection with the at least one handset interface; and connectingthe second wireless communication cartridge to the at least one handsetinterface to reconfigure the flexible wireless communication device foroperation with the second wireless communication cartridge.
 13. Themethod as recited in claim 12 wherein the first wireless communicationsystem is the same as the second wireless communication system.
 14. Themethod as recited in claim 12 wherein the first wireless communicationsystem is different from the second wireless communication system. 15.The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the first and the secondremovable wireless communication cartridges provide the same set ofpreselected features.
 16. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein thefirst and the second removable wireless communication cartridges providea different set of preselected features.
 17. The method as recited inclaim 12 wherein the removable wireless communication cartridge includeselectronic components that support more than one wireless cellularcommunication system.
 18. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein thewireless handset includes electronic components that support more thanone wireless cellular communication system.
 19. The method as recited inclaim 12 wherein the wireless communication cartridges include anantenna.
 20. The method as recited in claim 12 wherein the wirelesshandset has a single handset interface.